10.30– 11.032017Priests in God’s World

Update: With the Ordination of Alex Woods this week, it’s a good opportunity for us to remember that God has called, anointed, and equipped us to be his Priests in this world. We believe that God is calling us to the next step of our Priesthood this year: to grow in our walk with him (including his Word), to walk together as a Community of Priests, and to serve the poor and needy with his love.

If you are new to these Daily Worship guides, there is a Song of Commitment and Closing Prayer at the end of this document.

Most of the links to the songs below are actual live recordings of worship at Church of the Redeemer. While they aren’t as professional and flawless as the recordings we’ve used before in our devotionals, there’s something very special about singing along with your own church family! It might just be me, but I have found singing along with these (and hearing your voices) to be deeply moving

Song this Week –In Christ Alone

Some Recommendations

The goal of the study/reflection questions is to help you get into the text and meet Christ in it, i.e., to worship and meet with God. Avoid engaging with these questions as if it’s a “quiz” where the goal is to get the “correct answer” and then move onto the next question. My prayer, goal, and hope is that the questions will help open up the Word of God – what it means and what it is saying – in order that you might meet God, experience Christ, and hear from the Holy Spirit.

1) I do recommend the full liturgy for each day. If you do not have time for that, you will find the Daily Reflection questions listed before the full liturgy.

3) Sing the song! (Really) Download the song to your phone or computer so you can listen repeatedly during the day. When we sing, our mind, body, heart, emotions, and will are all engaged in worship! If this week’s song does not appeal to you, substitute a personal favorite.

4) Most weeks we will begin (Monday) with a Lectio Divina approach, Tuesday-Thursday we study the text with guided questions, and on Friday we do something a little different.

5) If you are new to these Daily Worship guides, there is a Song of Commitment and Closing Prayer at the end of this document.

Scripture Readings & Reflection -

See notes above in yellow.

Monday:

1)Read 1 Peter 2:1-12

2)Re-read v1-6 – What have we been chosen for (to do/be what?)

3)Re-read v9-10 –

  1. What are the aspects of our new identity?
  2. What is the “purpose” that God has redeemed us for?

4) As far as your God, King, Creator, and Savior is concerned.

  1. Who are you?
  2. What has he prepared for you to do?

5)Let this sink in. How does it impact you? Choose A or B below based on your primary impact.

  1. If it impacts you “negatively,” talk to God about that now and
  2. Share with him whatever it is that you are feeling (doubt, shame, failure, defeat, overwhelmed, resistance, etc).
  3. Ask him if v9-10 is true about you.
  4. Ask him to speak to you.
  5. What do you hear him say? How are you impacted?
  6. Respond to God in worship via the Song of Response.
  7. If this impacts you positively talk to God about that now
  8. Share with him whatever it is that you are feeling (gratitude, significance, honor, pride, dignity, et).
  9. Enter into v9-10
  10. Ask him to speak to you.
  11. What do you hear him say? / How are you impacted?
  12. Respond to God in worship via the Song of Response.

TUESDAY

1)Quiet your heart before God and slowly enter into his presence. Remember: he has pursued you in love to restore you to himself. Let that sink in.

2)Read 1 Peter 2:1-12

3)Revisit v1-3 & v11-12.

  1. v1-3 – are these words necessary for God to say to a church?
  2. Why?
  3. How about to you?
  4. Which ones strike closest to your heart?
  5. v11-12 – are these words necessary for God to say to a church?
  6. Why?
  7. How about to you?
  8. Which ones strike closest to your heart?

4)God has called us to be awe-filled Priest and we are also (at times) awful Priests. Ask God to search your heart and speak to you as you read through v1-3 and v11-12 again.

5)Respond to him.

6)Don’t forget to enter into the Song of Commitment – especially if God’s voice was convicting to you today.

WEDNESDAY

1)Who are you meeting with right now? What has he promised you? Quiet your heart before God and let that sink in.

2)Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

3)How does 2 Corinthians 3:12-16 relate? (What is v17-18 in contrast to?)

4)While we did not get to see Jesus in the flesh, consider how astounding and glorious it is that we have had the “veil” removed. Let this sink in.

5)What does v18 mean?

  1. What veil has been removed from you?
  2. What does it mean to behold the glory of the Lord?
  3. What kind of transformation is this?
  4. What is the relationship between “beholding” and “being transformed”?

6)What’s your default thinking on how change happens? i.e., How do you (and others) typically think that you (or those you would like to see changed) will be changed and transformed?

7)“Awe” is what we are calling the thing that “happens” when we, with unveiled faced behold the glory of the Lord. How much do you need this?

THURSDAY

1)Do you believe that God will meet you today? What do you need from him?

8)Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18and 1 Peter 2:1-12 (they say familiarity breeds contempt – we’re familiar with these texts- let that lead to depth and richness!)

2)There is a significant “outward” focus towards the end of 1 Peter 2. We have been saved that we might be set aside as Priests who go into all the world to share the gospel in word and deep that others might come to Christ.

3)How does talk about (you and) outreach, evangelism, etc impact you? What feelings arise? Talk honestly with God about this.

4)Talk to God by pray through 1 Peter 2 1-12 in a verse by verse/phrase by phrase personalized way, i.e.

  1. Where there is a command or an exhortation pray/substitute the words “Help me to,” “Change me,” or “Forgive me.”
  2. If you have a negative reaction/emotion/response to anything, talk to him about that honestly AND ask him to speak to you! i.e.
  3. Lord you say X about me, but I just don’t believe that’s really true.
  4. God, I don’t really want to talk to anyone about you who is not a Christian
  5. God, I am tired of being a priest.
  6. WOULD YOU SPEAK TO ME? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO ME?
  7. Pray by name for those that God has placed you in with relationship that you want to see be saved and restored to God. Insert their name in v9-10 and pray it for them.

5)Who knows the names of those you are praying into the kingdom? Is there anyone (else) you could share this with?

FRIDAY

1)Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Try to enter into the text experientially – picture the scene.

2)Read the text comparatively, i.e., how does it relate to what we have read/considered with regard to awe/being a priest this week in 1 Peter & 2 Corinthians? Don’t rush this.

3)Slowly meditate on the following phrase from 1 Peter 2:9.

But you are . . . a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light

  1. In what way has he called/is he calling you out of darkness?
  2. How is his light “marvelous” to you?
  3. Yes, “proclaim” can mean “preaching, but this can also refer to the simple words, “Jesus has changed my life, I know that might sound weird. But he has.” It can and, and does also refer to lives lived with love, grace, freedom, honesty, vulnerability, and joy that validate our word. How is God calling you to proclaim today?

4)Proclaim these truths in the Song of Commitment.

Below you will find the Full Liturgy for this week.

Call to Worship(Psalm 16:1-2, 5-11)

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;

in the night also my heart instructs me.

I have set the LORD always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;

In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Opening Prayer

O God, Eternal King and Father of all mercies,

whose light divides the day from the night

and turns the shadow of death into the morning:

To know you is eternal life

and to serve you is perfect freedom:

Drive far from us all wrong desires,

incline our hearts to keep your law,

and guide our feet into the way of peace;

that we may do your will with cheerfulness during the day,

and when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks;

through Jesus Christ, our risen and reigning Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Confession(Galatians 2:16-18)

Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor.

Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our sinfulness, our shortcomings, and our offenses against you.

You alone know how we have sinned in wandering from your ways.

In wasting your gifts;

In forgetting your love.

Have mercy on us, O LORD, for we are ashamed and sorry for all we have done to displease you.

Forgive our sins, and help us live in your light and walk in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Absolution(Galatians 2:19-20)

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Intercession
Pray this week for your own self, your community, church, city, and this world to know the resurrection of Jesus in accepting the good news of the gospel.

Scripture Readings & Reflection

Monday:

1)Read 1 Peter 2:1-12

2)Re-read v1-6 – What have we been chosen for (to do/be what?)

3)Re-read v9-10 –

  1. What are the aspects of our new identity?
  2. What is the “purpose” that God has redeemed us for?

4) As far as your God, King, Creator, and Savior is concerned.

  1. Who are you?
  2. What has he prepared for you to do?

5)Let this sink in. How does it impact you? Choose A or B below based on your primary impact.

  1. If it impacts you “negatively,” talk to God about that now and
  2. Share with him whatever it is that you are feeling (doubt, shame, failure, defeat, overwhelmed, resistance, etc).
  3. Ask him if v9-10 is true about you.
  4. Ask him to speak to you.
  5. What do you hear him say?/ How are you impacted?
  6. Respond to God in worship via the Song of Response.
  1. If this impacts you positively talk to God about that now
  2. Share with him whatever it is that you are feeling (gratitude, significance, honor, pride, dignity, et).
  3. Enter into v9-10
  4. Ask him to speak to you.
  5. What do you hear him say? / How are you impacted?
  6. Respond to God in worship via the Song of Response.

TUESDAY

1)Quiet your heart before God and slowly enter into his presence. Remember: he has pursued you in love to restore you to himself. Let that sink in.

2)Read 1 Peter 2:1-12

3)Revisit v1-3 & v11-12.

  1. v1-3 – are these words necessary for God to say to a church?
  2. Why?
  3. How about to you?
  4. Which ones strike closest to your heart?
  5. v11-12 – are these words necessary for God to say to a church?
  6. Why?
  7. How about to you?
  8. Which ones strike closest to your heart?

4)God has called us to be awe-filled Priest and we are also (at times) awful Priests. Ask God to search your heart and speak to you as you read through v1-3 and v11-12 again.

5)Respond to him.

6)Don’t forget to enter into the Song of Commitment – especially if God’s voice was convicting to you today.

WEDNESDAY

1)Who are you meeting with right now? What has he promised you? Quiet your heart before God and let that sink in.

2)Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

3)How does 2 Corinthians 3:12-16 relate? (What is v17-18 in contrast to?)

4)While we did not get to see Jesus in the flesh, consider how astounding and glorious it is that we have had the “veil” removed. Let this sink in.

5)What does v18 mean?

  1. What veil has been removed from you?
  2. What does it mean to behold the glory of the Lord?
  3. What kind of transformation is this?
  4. What is the relationship between “beholding” and “being transformed”?

6)What’s your default thinking on how change happens? i.e., How do you (and others) typically think that you (or those you would like to see changed) will be changed and transformed?

7)“Awe” is what we are calling the thing that “happens” when we, with unveiled faced behold the glory of the Lord. How much do you need this?

THURSDAY

1)Do you believe that God will meet you today? What do you need from him?

2)Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 and 1 Peter 2:1-12 (they say familiarity breeds contempt – we’re familiar with these texts- let that lead to depth and richness!)

3)There is a significant “outward” focus towards the end of 1 Peter 2. We have been saved that we might be set aside as Priests who go into all the world to share the gospel in word and deep that others might come to Christ.

4)How does talk about (you and) outreach, evangelism, etc impact you? What feelings arise? Talk honestly with God about this.

5)Talk to God by pray through 1 Peter 2 1-12 in a verse by verse/phrase by phrase personalized way, i.e.

  1. Where there is a command or an exhortation pray/substitute the words “Help me to,” “Change me,” or “Forgive me.”
  2. If you have a negative reaction/emotion/response to anything, talk to him about that honestly AND ask him to speak to you! i.e.
  3. Lord you say X about me, but I just don’t believe that’s really true.
  4. God, I don’t really want to talk to anyone about you who is not a Christian
  5. God, I am tired of being a priest.
  6. WOULD YOU SPEAK TO ME? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO ME?
  7. Pray by name for those that God has placed you in with relationship that you want to see be saved and restored to God. Insert their name in v9-10 and pray it for them.

6)Who knows the names of those you are praying into the kingdom? Is there anyone (else) you could share this with?

FRIDAY

1)Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Try to enter into the text experientially – picture the scene.

2)Read the text comparatively, i.e., how does it relate to what we have read/considered with regard to awe/being a priest this week in 1 Peter & 2 Corinthians? Don’t rush this.

3)Slowly meditate on the following phrase from 1 Peter 2:9.

But you are . . . a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light

  1. In what way has he called/is he calling you out of darkness?
  2. How is his light “marvelous” to you?
  3. Yes, “proclaim” can mean “preaching, but this can also refer to the simple words, “Jesus has changed my life, I know that might sound weird. But he has.” It can and, and does also refer to lives lived with love, grace, freedom, honesty, vulnerability, and joy that validate our word. How is God calling you to proclaim today?

4)Proclaim these truths in the Song of Commitment.

Song of CommitmentIn Christ Alone

10.30– 11.032017Priests in God’s World

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.